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About Shannon Hruska

In my free-time from two part-time jobs, a puppy and kitten under my feet, a boyfriend to care for, and a house to decorate on a budget, I am braving the blog world with my thoughts, DIY projects, photography blunders, evolving everyday style, and much more!

It’s happened again, my restlessness to leave things be has encouraged me to re-haul another one of my past projects. Specifically, my DIY Mosaic Lamp. After its makeover last year I wasn’t very convinced that using resin was the best option for the lamp. However, I decided to live with it for a while before deciding to completely ditch the new design. Well, I lived with it for about 6 months, moved it from room to room (it even lived in the basement for a bit), and now, a year and a half later, I decided it was finally time to fix it.

On our final day in the park, determined to see every corner of the map, we trekked across to the northwest side of the park to explore the town of Polebridge and Bowman Lake. But first, we finally nabbed a photo in front of one of the park’s entrance signs. I can’t wait to have a scrapbook full of photos of us in front of these signs. This trip has prompted us to visit at least one National Park every year for the rest of our lives. I really hope that goal sticks.

The “town” of Polebridge is a popular stop for tourists because of a few shops, cute little cabins, and two cafes, namely the Polebridge Mercantile. From delicious Huckleberry Bear Claws to massive cinnamon rolls to savory pastries, this snack stop is a must.

On our third day at Glacier National Park, we explored Two Medicine, a section of the park I had been dying to explore since the trip planning began nearly 2 years ago. Known for its great trails and amazing waterfalls, I knew that I couldn’t miss exploring this wonderful spot. Two Medicine is on the southeast side of the park and boasts one of the scariest roads that we drove on. Thanks to David for braving those narrow roads with no guard rails. FYI: All of the windy roads in this park are very slow going. Be prepared to spend a decent amount of time in the car.

When we finally passed through the Two Medicine entrance we pulled off at the Running Eagle Falls Trailhead. A short 0.5 mile trail leads to a beautiful waterfall that magnificently cuts its way through a huge rock wall. The climber inside me was dying to scale the rocks to see the other side.

After exploring until our hearts were content we headed to our destination for the day, the Two Medicine South Shore Trailhead.

We finally arrived at Glacier National Park in the middle of a storm. Barely making it before sunset, we happily enjoyed intensely beautiful heat lightning as the park’s mountains and glaciers came into view. Most of David’s paternal side of the family would also arrive at our two rental houses on Duck Lake, 20 minutes northeast of the park, over the next few days. Since we traveled with 16 others, two rental homes were the perfect home away from home. Much cozier than a hotel and much cheaper.

Our first morning, we woke to a full rainbow stretching across the park. Taking that as our cue, we set out early to find the treasure that awaited.

It didn’t take long to figure out that the entire park is a gorgeous treasure. Waterfalls hide around every corner, majestic lakes and rivers flow between towering mountains, thousands of species of wildflowers stretch toward the sun, and a bevy of unique creatures call this amazing place their home. Each day revealed another breathtaking natural discovery. We could have stayed for weeks, months, years without seeing everything. Looks like we’ll have to return to keep exploring. I don’t think David will take much convincing. I mean, c’mon. Just look at these pictures.

America’s best idea is indeed the national park. Vast spaces preserving mother nature’s beauty, each is unique and beautiful. I’ve only had the opportunity to visit 10 of 58 thus far but I managed to conquer 3 just last week: Grand Tetons, Yellowstone, and Glacier.

David and I set off toward our final destination, Glacier, from Denver last week in a bright red rented Toyota Yaris. First stop was O’Dell Brewery in Fort Collins for a beer to cool us off from the afternoon heat.

So I messed this one up guys. It’s taken me a year to admit but it happened. I made a DIY blunder. One of those it-seemed-like-a-really-good-idea-in-my-head kinda things. Allow me to elaborate….

A few years ago, a friend gave me some craft supplies that she knew I’d love. With those supplies — tiles, an old colander, paint, embroidery thread — I created some of my absolute favorite pieces in my home, my mosaic table, resin mosaic lamp, embroidered art, and diy chandelier to name a few. The latter is the flub that received a new makeover most recently. From very ugly DIY Chandelier to DIY Paint Swatch Chandelier!

My first adult vacation. So desperately needed and so wonderfully enjoyed.

Last year my best friend of nearly 20 years moved from our hometown in southern Missouri to a place so wonderfully different: Florida. The sweet beachside town of St. Petersburg to be exact. Located on a peninsula connected to Tampa Bay, the 244,769 population city is home to the Tampa Bay Rays, many beautiful beaches, fabulous culture, excellent museums, and much more. With 361 sunny days every year, I can see why my winter-hating friend made the 1,108 mile move. It also helps that a vast majority of the population is largely 25 to age 40 meaning a great shopping district, fantastic restaurants and bars, and a plethora of activities for young folks.

While we were in town for a short two and a half days, we watched the Tampa Bay Rays beat the New York Yankees 16-1, spent two cloudy but nonetheless enjoyable days at the beach, walked the pier countless times, gorged on amazing food and beers, but most importantly, we had a beyond amazing time visiting my best friend. It was a blast! I’m already planning my next trip down!

As per usual, I took way too many pictures. Enjoy! I hope they force you to begin planning your next vacation to the Sunshine City in the Sunshine State.

Check out this story on my boyfriend, David’s baseball blog. I made the graphic which honors Hall of Famer Paul Molitor. On Sunday, his hit record of 3,319 was passed by New York Yankee shortstop Derek Jeter.

On Sunday afternoon,
Derek Jeter
smacked a pair of hits to help the Yankees to a 6-4 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays. And while Jeter’s contributions may not have won his team the game, they did help the Yankee legend accomplish a little history. That pair of singles earned Jeter hits #3,319 and #3,320 of his career, which bumped him past
Paul Molitor
for 8th on the all-time hit list.

Like this:

So let me tell you about that fun little book rack that’s sitting on my awesome new comic book shelf. Now, you might look at this and say, “Hey Shannon, why would you drill into a perfectly good book just so you could hold up other books?” Well this particular book has one goofy secret…

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Who am I?

Hi, I'm Shannon. Writing this blog is my hobby when I'm not busy working as a graphic designer, chasing my puppy and kitten out from under my feet, taking care of my 8-years-and-counting boyfriend, and DIYing to my heart's desire.